Oh look, the Braves are trading with the A’s again.
**Trade Alert: Braves and A’s Swap Minor Leaguer for Infielder Nick Allen**
It may not be the most headline-grabbing trade, but it’s still one worth noting. The Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics have struck a deal, sending minor league pitcher Jared Johnson to the A’s in exchange for infielder Nick Allen.
While this trade isn’t on the level of some of the blockbuster deals these two teams have executed in the past, it involves two familiar trade partners making a move to improve their respective rosters. Johnson, a young arm in the Braves’ farm system, will now join the Athletics as they continue their rebuild, while Allen, a versatile infielder with a solid glove, heads to Atlanta, where he could add depth to their infield.
Though this isn’t a splashy move, it could still have lasting implications for both teams as they look to build for the future. The A’s continue to stockpile young talent, and the Braves add another option to their infield mix as they aim to stay competitive. Keep an eye on how both players develop in their new environments!
At first look, this move clearly reflects “organizational depth.” Allen wrapped up last season with a line of .175/.216/.247, a wOBA of .207, and a wRC+ of 33, totaling -0.6 fWAR over 41 games and 105 plate appearances. His career wRC+ stands at 53, and now seems like a fitting moment to highlight the sole home run he hit in 2024.
That home run marked his ninth career long ball, by the way. On the defensive side, Allen has been decent, and it’s likely that if he suits up for the Braves, he’ll serve primarily as a defensive substitute and bench option. Adding more depth to the organization is always a smart move, right?
On the flip side, Jared Johnson is headed to the A’s, who will be hoping he develops into a reliable reliever when he’s ready for the majors. Johnson spent all of 2024 with the High-A Rome Emperors and will likely spend most of 2025 in Double-A. He also earned an Honorable Mention in our Minor League preseason Top 30 prospects rankings, so the A’s may be getting a solid prospect. We’ll have to wait and see!
